NEWCOMER Franco Fraser wants to lift the image of boxing in the Sugar City.
Born and bred in Lautoka, Fraser will feature in the Naidiri Boxing Promotions at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Saturday.
He will face Aisea Raqili who will also make his debut in the 4x3 minute middleweight contest.
The 35-year-old said he had been preparing for the bout for more than a month under the guidance of Richard Smith.
Fraser said he did not have much knowledge about his opponent.
"I started boxing in 2000 and fought in the amateur division until 2002 before I left for New Zealand," Fraser said.
"I fought eight times and lost once to Abhay Chand before I turned professional. I'm turning professional after a long time but I feel that I'm ready for it.
"My sponsors have financed me without any hesitation especially the Ledgers Pawn Shop and my friend Richard who has been training me. I'm prepared to show something new to Fiji boxing.
"This is one sport that has many enthusiastic fans. Lautoka has been renowned to produce many good boxers. But the sport seems to have lost its bite in the Sugar City recently.
"The good boxers now hail from Nadi, Sigatoka, Naitasiri and Suva. My aim is to revive boxing in Lautoka as there are many good boys here." Fraser returned to Fiji from New Zealand in 2006 and has been working as a salesman.